Determination of risk factors, knowledge level and awareness on colorectal cancers among Turkish women
Gonca Karataş Baran, Gül Pınar, Sevil Şahin
Abstract
Objective: This research was conducted as descriptive and cross-sectional to scrutinize risk factors, knowledge levels and awareness of women at the age of 50 and above about colorectal cancers (CRC). Materials and Methods: In a descriptive and cross-sectional study, 196 female participants were selected randomly at the age of 50 and above who applied to Ankara Keçiören Training and Research Hospital, gynecology and obstetrics polyclinic in Turkey during June 16-July 30, 2014. A questionnaire form was used in data collection. Results: The age mean of the women included in the research was 57.2 ± 7.9. At least one of the CRC risk factors was present in each of the women in this study. When examined according to CRC risk levels, 83.6% was at the low-risk group and 16.4% was at the moderate level-risk group. The mean knowledge score of the women to be protected from CRC was 6.4 ± 3.3 (min = 0, max = 10). 86.2% of the women indicated that they did not have CRC screening test until that moment, 85.7% indicated that they did not have adequate knowledge about CRC screening methods, and 22% considered themselves risky about developing CRC. Based on the conducted analyses, CRC risk level was found higher in the women who had bowel disease history, did not have adequate knowledge about CRC, had CRC screening history, were suggested CRC screening test by their physician, and had high CRC risk perception (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It was determined as a result of the study that the women had a considerable level of CRC risk, and despite this fact they did not have adequate awareness and knowledge about screening and prevention.